Elpis the Spirit of Hope
Zeus gathered all the useful things together in a jar and put a lid on it. He then left the jar in human hands. But man had no self-control and he wanted to know what was in that jar, so he pushed the lid aside, letting those things go back to the abode of the gods. So all the good things flew away, soaring high above the earth, and Elpis/Hope was the only thing left. When the lid was put back on the jar, Hope was kept inside. That is why Hope alone is still found among the people, promising that she will bestow on each of us the good things that have gone away.
Note: Unlike the famous 'Pandora's box' version of this story (which is attested as early as the eighth century B.C.E. by the Greek poet Hesiod), this version notably does not blame all the misfortune of the world on a woman.
Translation by Laura Gibbs for Oxford World's Classics
for Flickriver - Sophie Shapiro
I would like to thank everyone who takes an interest in my work. I am truly grateful and appreciate your ongoing support and positive feedback. Please take good care of yourselves in these uncertain times. Keep well, safe & inspired.
Kind regards,
Sophie
Elpis the Spirit of Hope
Zeus gathered all the useful things together in a jar and put a lid on it. He then left the jar in human hands. But man had no self-control and he wanted to know what was in that jar, so he pushed the lid aside, letting those things go back to the abode of the gods. So all the good things flew away, soaring high above the earth, and Elpis/Hope was the only thing left. When the lid was put back on the jar, Hope was kept inside. That is why Hope alone is still found among the people, promising that she will bestow on each of us the good things that have gone away.
Note: Unlike the famous 'Pandora's box' version of this story (which is attested as early as the eighth century B.C.E. by the Greek poet Hesiod), this version notably does not blame all the misfortune of the world on a woman.
Translation by Laura Gibbs for Oxford World's Classics
for Flickriver - Sophie Shapiro
I would like to thank everyone who takes an interest in my work. I am truly grateful and appreciate your ongoing support and positive feedback. Please take good care of yourselves in these uncertain times. Keep well, safe & inspired.
Kind regards,
Sophie